Newcastle United’s search for a Dan Ashworth replacement continues after the sporting director announced he would be leaving to join Man United last month.
One name who has been linked with a move to the North East is former Roma director Tiago Pinto and today he has shared how he really feels about the potential move.
In an interview with inews, Pinto claimed that he would ‘of course’ be interested and that he has followed the club because of Sir Bobby Robson who had a big impact on football in Portugal.
Director really impressed with what Newcastle have done
Newcastle have gone from strength to strength ever since the Saudi-backed takeover was confirmed around two-and-a-half years ago, recording a Carabao Cup final and Champions League qualification in that time.
Things haven’t been as successful this season but there is a clear plan in place and Eddie Howe has a style of football that enthrals Newcastle fans who have backed him all the way this season.
Newcastle don’t have a bottomless pit of money despite their owners’ wealth due to the Premier League’s financial restrictions, but there is certainly money there to invest in the infrastructure of the club.
That’s exactly why director’s like Pinto would be interested in the role, Newcastle are one of the most exciting projects in world football and there’s plenty of work to be done after Ashworth’s departure.
On Newcastle’s interest, Pinto said: “If a big club like Newcastle asks to speak to you, of course you’re interested.
“I know the club’s story very well because Sir Bobby Robson was a big personality in Portugal and we associated him with Newcastle. I followed the club because of that passion.
“The work the new ownership has done has been very impressive – with a clever strategy they’ve come from a relegation fight to the Champions League so there’s huge potential at Newcastle.
“I don’t know if the interest is true or not but who would say no to a project like that?”
Newcastle will be very thorough in their search
The Magpies will want to avoid a similar situation happening after losing Ashworth despite only being at the club two years when he was meant to be the man to lead the club into this new era.
Pinto has worked closely with Jose Mourinho at Roma, which will likely only fuel the rumours that he could replace Howe at some point, so he knows full well how to handle things at a top club already.
Newcastle really need a top quality director to see them through the next five to 10 years and see some real progress on everything that goes on behind the scenes at the club like improving the academy and the recruitment staff.
At just 39-years-old Pinto still has a long way to go in the game and it could be the perfect match for him to grow alongside Newcastle as a top European club.
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